West Nile found in Caledon

Region of Peel — Public Health reports West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitos collected in the Town of Caledon.

So far this summer in the entire region, three mosquito pools have tested positive for the virus. It is not uncommon to find West Nile virus in local mosquitos.

West Nile virus became established across much of North America in the late 1990s and public health units, including Region of Peel – Public Health, have run annual programs to help monitor and control the population of mosquitos that carry the virus.

“Public Health maintains and monitors 33 mosquito traps that are set up across the cities of Mississauga and Brampton and the Town of Caledon. These traps are tested weekly from June to September and with this recent confirmation of West Nile virus activity, we are increasing our efforts in the area surrounding the positive traps by looking for breeding sites and retreating catch basins with larvicide,” said Paul Callanan, director of health protection at the Region of Peel.

Residents are encouraged to take extra precautions during dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is higher. Wear light coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants and use mosquito repellent containing DEET if older than six months of age. Children under six months can be protected with insect netting.

Tips to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites:

• Remove items that collect water.

• Turn over old tires or wheelbarrows; empty out pails and plastic wading pools; change the water in birdbaths often.

• Report standing water if present longer than a week on public property at peelregion.ca/health/vbd/rep-stwater or by calling Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700.

The Region of Peel has had no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus this season.